1920s

This decade was one of enormous challenge for the newly federated nation as it
went from coping with reintegrating soldiers back into the community and economy to the commencement of the Great Depression.

1930s

Despite momentous world events such as the Great Depression and outbreak of the World War II, the 1930s witnessed increased demand for vocational education, particularly in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

1940s

During this decade, the growth of Collingwood and Preston Technical schools was dominated by the war effort, post-war reconstruction and migration, and the reintegration of returned servicemen into the local economy.